His physician Dr Marc A Kates has now released a statement to clarify that Farina had been undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of his passing.

"He had a small cancer 13 years ago that was treated and cured with surgery," Dr Kates commented. "Over the last several months, he unfortunately experienced a recurrence of the cancer which was being treated."

He continued: "Despite treatment, over the weekend a blood clot developed in Mr Farina's lung which unexpectedly and suddenly took his life."

Farina was survived by his three sons and long-time partner Marianne Cahill.